Auto VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2009 User Guide

WARNING
Improper use or positioning of a safety belt extender increases the risk of serious personal injury and death.
x A driver or passenger who is not properly restrained can be seriously injured by striking the interior of the passenger compartment or by the safety belt itself, which can be displaced from stronger parts of the body into sensitive areas like the abdomen.
x Safety belt extenders offer optimum protection only when they are properly used.
x Only use the extender when the belt is not long enough to be worn low and snug and the person is in the correct seating position. Remove and stow extender safely when not needed.
x Always make sure the safety belt tongue of the safety belt extender is securely inserted into the buckle for the seating position that belongs to the seat where the safety belt extender is being used. Attaching the safety belt to the wrong buckle will reduce safety belt effectiveness and can cause serious personal injury.
x Never use the safety belt extender if you can properly attach the safety belt without it. Using a safety belt extender when not needed can increase the risk of injury, especially in a collision.
x Never use a safety belt extender if the distance (B) between the front edge of the safety belt extender buckle (A) and the centerline of the person using the safety belt extender
⇒ fig. 83 (C) is less than 6 inches (15 cm).
x Never leave a safety belt extender attached to the vehicle safety belt buckle when the extender is not needed and being used with the safety belt. Otherwise, the airbag control module will receive an incorrect signal from the safety belt buckle and this will prevent the airbag from working properly for a person who is not using the safety belt.
x Never use more than 1 extender with a safety belt. Using more than 1 extender can change the way the safety belt passes over the body and can cause serious injury.
x Never use the safety belt extender to secure a child restraint.
x Never use a safety belt extender on your Volkswagen that you got from another automobile manufacturer or from an automotive parts store.
x Never use the safety belt extender you got for your vehicle for any other vehicle, regardless of make, model, or model year.
NOTICE
x Leaving the extender attached to the safety belt buckle when the front seat is occupied and the safety belt is not being used will signal to the airbag control unit that the front passenger seat is occupied and that the safety belt is being used. The electronic control unit for the airbag system will then receive incorrect information that will
– cause the safety belt pretensioner to deploy unnecessarily in collisions
– cause the front passenger airbag to deploy later in collisions in which the front airbag would otherwise be triggered earlier to help protect an unrestrained front seat passenger.
x A pretensioner that has deployed cannot be repaired. The entire safety belt must be replaced.
NOTICE
If the safety belt extender is left attached to the safety belt buckle, the safety belt warning system will sense that the safety belt for that seat is being used. The warning light will not come on and the warning chime will not sound even though the seat is occupied and the safety belt is not being used.

WARNING
Daytime running lights and parking lights are not bright enough to let you see ahead or be seen by others when it is dark.
x Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark and whenever the weather is bad or visibility is poor.
x Never use the daytime running lights to see where you are going. They are not bright enough and will not let you see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on with the daytime running lights. Unless the taillights are on, a vehicle cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
x Even if automatic headlight control (AUTO) is switched on, the low-beam headlights may still not come on by themselves in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights manually.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, the taillights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
Lights and vision features

When you move the selector lever to Reverse (R), the static cornering lights on both sides of the vehicle may come on so that you can see the area around the vehicle better when backing up.
The static cornering lights work only when the headlights are on. If you are using automatic headlight
control (headlight switch in the AUT O position ⇒ fig. 98), they work only when the headlights have been automatically switched on. The static cornering lights do not come on when the headlight switch is in the O position or when the fog lights themselves have been switched on, Switching lights on and off.
Automatic headlight control (AUTO)
Automatic headlight control is a convenience feature only and cannot always recognize all lighting and driving situations.
If the light switch is in the AUT O position, both vehicle lighting and instrument and switch lighting are
automatically switched on and off in the following situations ⇒ :

Automatic activation:Automatic deactivation:
If the low-light sensor registers darkness, for example when driving through a tunnel. If sufficient brightness is registered.

WARNING
Crashes and other accidents can happen when you cannot see the road ahead and when you cannot be seen by other motorists.
x Never use daytime running lights (DRL) to see where you are going. DRL are not bright enough to light up the roadway and be seen by other motorists. You will not be able to see far enough ahead for safety, especially at dusk or when it is dark. Always switch on the low-beam headlights at dusk or when it is dark.
x The taillights do not come on when the daytime running lights are switched on. A vehicle without taillights on cannot be seen by others in bad weather, at dusk, or when it is dark.
x If automatic headlight control (AUTO) is switched on, the low-beam headlights still may not be switched on in fog or heavy rain. You have to switch on the low-beam headlights yourself.
In cool or humid weather, the insides of the headlights, rear lights, and turn signals can temporarily fog up. This is normal and does not affect the service life of the vehicle's lighting system.
“Coming home” and “Leaving home” feature (orientation lighting)

“Coming home” Action
Switch off: – Automatically after delay period is over. – Automatically, if a vehicle door or the luggage compartment lid is still open about 30 seconds after activation. – Turn light switch to O position. – Switch the ignition on.

“Leaving home” Action
Switch on: – Unlock the vehicle if the light switch is in the AUT O position and the low-light sensor registers darkness.
Switch off: – Automatically after preset delay period is over. – Lock the vehicle. – Turn the light switch to the O position. – Switch the ignition on.
The delay period can be adjusted and the function can be switched on and off in the Lights & Vision menu, Volkswagen Information System.
If the “Coming home” feature is switched on and the driver door is opened, no warning chime will sound to alert you that the lights are still on.
Instrument panel lighting

Fig. 100 To the left of the steering wheel: Control for instrument panel lighting.

NOTICE
To help prevent damage to the wiper blades and the wiper motor when it is cold outside, always make sure that blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers. Using the service position can be helpful in cold weather so the wipers do not freeze to the windshield, Windshield wiper service position.
x If the ignition is switched off while the wipers are running, the wipers will continue at the same wiping speed when the ignition is switched on again. Frost, ice, snow, leaves, and other objects on the windshield can damage the wipers and the wiper motor.
x Remove snow and ice from the wipers before you begin driving.
x If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
NOTICE
Never switch on the windshield wipers when the windshield is dry because the windshield can be scratched.
The windshield wipers work only if the ignition is switched on and the engine hood is closed. The windshield wipers turn off automatically when the engine hood is opened.
The intermittent wiping for the front windshield depends on the driving speed. The higher the speed, the faster the wipers move.
If the wiper blades freeze to the windshield, loosen them carefully. Volkswagen recommends using a deicing spray.
Windshield wiper functions

WARNING
Auto-dimming mirrors contain an electrolyte fluid which can leak if the mirror glass is broken. Electrolyte fluid can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
x Repeated or prolonged exposure to electrolyte fluid can irritate the respiratory system, especially among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Get fresh air immediately by leaving the vehicle or, if that is not possible, open windows and doors all the way.
x If electrolyte fluid gets into the eyes, flush them thoroughly with large amounts of clean water for at least 15 minutes; medical attention is recommended.
x If electrolyte fluid contacts skin, flush affected area with clean water for at least 15 minutes and then wash affected area with soap and water; medical attention is recommended. Thoroughly wash affected clothing and shoes before reuse.
x If swallowed, and the person is conscious, rinse mouth with water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a medical professional.
NOTICE
Broken glass in the auto-dimming mirrors can cause electrolyte fluid leakage. Liquid electrolyte leaked from a broken mirror glass will damage any plastic surfaces it comes in contact with. Clean up spilled electrolyte fluid immediately with clear water and a sponge.
Inside mirror

Fig. 108 Manually adjustable inside mirror.

Fig. 109 Auto-dimming inside mirror.

x Shift the transmission into reverse.
x Adjust the passenger outside mirror for a clear view of the curb, for example.
x The adjusted mirror position is automatically stored and assigned to the vehicle key used to unlock the vehicle. The preselected position will be recalled when the key assigned to that mirror adjustment position is used again.
Recalling passenger side mirror settings
x Turn the adjusting knob for the side mirrors to the R position.
x Shift the transmission into reverse gear with the ignition switched on.
x The mirror moves back to the regular position when the vehicle moves forwards faster than about 10 mph (15 km/h) or the adjusting knob is turned to the O or L position.
WARNING
Improper use of the folding outside mirrors can cause personal injury.
x Always make sure that nobody is in the way when folding the mirrors in or out.
x Make sure that you do not get your finger caught between the mirror and the mirror base when moving the mirrors.
WARNING
Incorrectly estimating distances with the right outside mirror can cause collisions and serious injury.
x The right outside mirror has a convex (curved) surface. This widens your field of vision. But vehicles or other objects seen in a convex mirror will look smaller and farther away than they really are.
x If you use the right outside mirror to judge distances from vehicles behind you when changing lanes, you could estimate incorrectly and cause a crash and serious injuries.
x Whenever possible, use the inside mirror to more accurately judge distance and size of vehicles or other objects seen in the convex mirror.
x Always make sure you have a clear view to the rear of the vehicle.
NOTICE
Always fold in the outside mirrors when taking the vehicle through an automatic car wash.
To reduce fuel consumption, use outside mirror heating only when needed.
When first switched on, outside mirror heating works with maximum heat for about 2 minutes.
If power mirror adjustment does not work, the outside mirrors can be adjusted by hand by pressing on the edges of the mirror surface.

x Factory-installed or retrofitted accessories.
x Hitch weight and tongue weight for trailer towing.
Please refer to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross front and rear Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) for your vehicle, which are printed on the vehicle's Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver door jamb.
WARNING
Exceeding maximum permissible weight ratings can result in vehicle damage, accidents, and serious personal injury.
x Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the permissible Gross Axle Weight Rating. Also, never let the total of these actual weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
x Always remember that the vehicle's handling and braking will be affected by extra load and the distribution of this load. Adjust your speed accordingly.
NOTICE
x Always distribute the load evenly and as low as possible in the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and luggage).
x When transporting a heavy load in the luggage compartment, carry the load as close to the rear axle (as far forward) as possible so that the vehicle's handling and braking are affected as little as possible.
Gasoline engines

Maximum power output (SAE net) Engine ID code Transmission Curb weight4 Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross front axle weight rating
Gross rear axle weight rating
170 hp (125 kW) CBTA
5S manual
3272 – 3300 lbs(1484 – 1497 kg)
4431 lbs (2010 kg) 2271 lbs(1030 kg) 2271 lbs (1030 kg)
6S automatic
3325 – 3360 lbs(1508 – 1524 kg)
4475 lbs (2030 kg) 2315 lbs(1050 kg) 2271 lbs (1030 kg)
280 hp (206 kW) CDVB DSG® 6S automatic
3448 – 3481 lbs(1564 – 1579 kg)
4630 lbs (2100 kg) 2381 lbs(1080 kg) 2359 lbs (1070 kg)

Diesel engines

4 Depending on equipment version.

Maximum power output (SAE net) Engine ID codeTransmission Curb weight4 Gross vehicle weight rating
Gross front axle weight rating
Gross rear axle weight rating
140 hp (103 kW) with DPF CKRA 6S manual 3441 – 3468 lbs(1561 – 1573 kg)
4586 lbs (2080 kg) 2359 lbs (1070 kg) 2337 lbs (1060 kg)
DSG® 6S automatic 3497 – 3519 lbs(1586 – 1596 kg)
4652 lbs (2110 kg) 2425 lbs (1100 kg) 2337 lbs (1060 kg)

WARNING
Exceeding maximum permissible weight ratings can result in vehicle damage, accidents, and serious personal injury.
x Never let the actual weights at the front and rear axles exceed the permissible Gross Axle Weight Rating. Also, never let the total of these actual weights exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
x Always remember that the vehicle's handling and braking will be affected by extra load and the distribution of this load. Adjust your speed accordingly.
NOTICE
x Always distribute luggage evenly and as low as possible within the vehicle. The vehicle capacity weight figures apply when the load is distributed evenly in the vehicle (passengers and luggage).
x When transporting a heavy load in the luggage compartment, carry the load as close to the rear axle (as far forward) as possible so that the vehicle's handling and braking are affected as little as possible.

x Do not release the parking brake lever until the engine starts to move the vehicle forward. If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, you can also depress and hold the brake pedal for added braking and then let up on the brake pedal when you feel that the vehicle “wants” to move forward.
x Drive ahead slowly.
WARNING
Improper trailer towing can cause loss of vehicle control and serious personal injury.
x Driving with a trailer and carrying heavy or bulky items changes the way the vehicle handles and increases the distance it needs to stop safely.
x Always watch what is happening up ahead and around you. Brake earlier than you would if you were not towing a trailer.
x Always adapt your speed and driving to the heavier load and the weight distribution in the vehicle. Take road, weather, traffic, and visibility conditions into account as well.
x Reduce your speed even more than you otherwise would when going downhill and under unfavorable load, weather, or wind conditions.
x Drive especially carefully and accelerate gently. Always avoid sudden maneuvers and hard braking.
x Be especially careful when passing other vehicles.
x Reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows even the slightest sign of swaying.
x Never try to stop the swaying by accelerating.
x Always obey speed limits. In some areas speed limits for vehicles towing trailers are lower than for vehicles without trailers.
Ball mount

Fig. 117 Dimensions of the ball mount support.